When it comes to social media marketing, one of the most important elements (I would argue the most important) is engagement. As social media managers, we pay close attention to engagement rates to determine whether or not our content is working to engage our audience. We also make it a point to spend time interacting with others on social to add an element of personality, establish brand loyalty, and cultivate conversations and connections within our network. 

It’s no secret that social media can be addicting, and when it comes to promoting your brand on social, you may often find yourself endlessly scrolling in an attempt to engage with potential customers and other businesses in your industry. To avoid getting lost in the scroll, try these tips:

1. Set goals⁠

With social media marketing, it’s always best to have a goal in mind, especially when it comes to engagement. Try using the following frameworks – engage with X amount of accounts during this time block, or comment on X amount of posts each day. This will help you stay on track and keep your eyes on the prize when it comes to engaging the right audience.

2. Consciously scroll⁠

It can become all too easy to just zone out and get lost in content, so try to pay attention to what you’re consuming. Social media is full of endless rabbit holes, and it’s important to make a conscious effort and seek out other accounts that are relevant to you and your business. If you find yourself zoning out, it’s okay to take a break from engagement and come back to it later!

3. Be genuine⁠

It may seem like the easiest way to engage is to go on a non-stop commenting spree, but I recommend focusing on engaging with content that actually speaks to you. ⁠Let users know what you enjoy about their content, or ignite meaningful conversations with other business owners! Keeping it real on social will not only help you build authentic connections, but it will also make you look  better in the eyes of Instagram (yes, Instagram can actually recognize repeat comments, and flag you for it too).

4. Use search tools

There are two tools you should start utilizing right now – hashtags and locations! Hashtags have proven to increase engagement, and adding them to your post with relevant keywords can boost your discoverability. When users search the hashtags you use, your post will appear in their search results. Location works similarly – if you tag a specific place or city on your post, users who search that location are likely to see your post in their search results! You can also use hashtags and locations in your own search to discover potential customers and other businesses in your industry that you may want to engage and connect with!

You don’t need to spend hours scrolling through social media to optimize your engagement, and these tips are sure to help you achieve amazing social results!